Health system would suffer during extended Dynacare strike, board told

A prolonged strike at Dynacare labs could put significant strain on Manitoba's public health-care system, according to the Manitoba Labour Board. The strike could result in delays for testing and treatment, leading to worsening health conditions for some patients, Dr. AbdulRazaq Sokoro, chief operating officer of diagnostic services at Shared Health, testified during a labor board hearing.

Sokoro explained that if the public health system had to implement a strike contingency plan, it would prioritize patients deemed more vulnerable. However, he acknowledged that such a plan would not be sustainable and temporary. Public labs could temporarily increase their opening hours, but this would not be a guaranteed solution, he added.

The unionized Dynacare employees, represented by the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, are seeking wage parity, arguing that their counterparts in the public system are paid 20 to 50 percent more. The union contends that work can be done in the public system during a strike, criticizing the province's intervention and wants an application for dismissal.

Dynacare and the union had not reached an agreement since March 31, when the strike began following a contract negotiation breakdown.